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You don't need snow to have a good time in Colorado. Photo by CHRIS ORNES

Like many middle-age married men, most of the year is spent working, running kids around to various events and successfully dodging the long list of home projects that never seem to get done. When last summer came to a close, it seemed as good a time as any for some man time. That typically means hunting or camping, but this time, we looked for something different.

As the boys in Animal House said, it was time for a road trip, and Colorado and the Aston Martin Rapide were calling. In recent years, Colorado has grown into a non-ski-season vacation hot spot. The summer and fall in particular have seen a marked increase in tourist traffic, but not so much yet that it's annoying.

After packing evening refreshments in the Aston boot (we just can't call it a trunk)--including some Dom Perignon Warhol Tribute champagne, examples of the new Belvedere Intense vodka and a box of Davidoff Puro d'Oro cigars--the drive was planned with several stops for relaxation. Among the attractions was the spa at Keystone Resort in Keystone, Relish restaurant in Breckenridge, Hotel Jerome and its famous J-Bar in Aspen, and the home of some of the most fabulous pizza ever at High Mountain Pies in Leadville.

Certainly, overwhelming lust for Aston Martin automobiles is not unique among middle-age men. Yes, it's the James Bond thing. Yes, it's the unabashed elegance that oozes sex appeal, and yes, it's the performance that causes those of us who love the high end of automotive art to covet, admire and dream about owning an Aston.

The Rapide shape is simply spectacular, a tour de force that has claimed the holy grail of automotive design by successfully extending the two-door line into a sedan line without compromising the brand.

As expected, the Rapide also packs enormous performance, particularly in sport mode, and it almost effortlessly conquered the roads in the high mountain air, it's V12 at full roar for a good portion of the winding drives up and over the craggy passes. It is a four-door modern GT car designed for relatively brief weekend or dinner excursions.

The car is striking. In a sea of luxury automotive marques in Aspen, the Rapide attracted instant attention. At the places we traversed, such as the mountain passes where we stopped to take photographs and stretch, the Rapide drew an admiring crowd.

In the evenings the Dom, the Belvedere and the Davidoff's were casually enjoyed, and the unhurried pace of fall in Colorado was perfect. The concours blue exterior color of the Rapide matched the color of the mountain lakes, and the locals said we had chosen the absolute best weekend to enjoy the 60-degree weather, cobalt blue skies and the stunning yellows, golds and greens of the season.

The late-afternoon drive on twisty roads with mountain peaks and yellow forests all around make it difficult to imagine a more beautiful or more relaxing drive in a car that oozes confidence, elegance and speed.

Where To Go

Keystone Resort, www.keystoneresort.com, 800-328-1323

The Keystone Resort is not as heavily visited as its sister resorts down the interstate and that's its beauty--it's far more relaxing and user-friendly both on the slopes and in the spa.

Hotel Jerome, www.hoteljerome.rockresorts.com, 877-412-7625

The legendary property oozes the history of the far rougher mining era. Make sure to have a drink at the world famous J-Bar, the favorite haunt of gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson.

Independence Pass, www.independencepass.org, 970-963-4959

As the historic link that connects the western slope of the Rocky Mountains to the eastern "front range," Independence Pass is one of the most visited alpine destinations in America and is well worth the visit for the spectacular views.

Relish, www.relishbreckenridge.com, 970-453-0969

Chef and owner Matt Fackler flawlessly executes traditional Colorado fare including game and fish, often in interesting combinations. A good wine list completes this quintessential Colorado dining experience.

Whatever you do in Colorado, detour to Leadville for a visit to High Mountain Pies. It is seriously old school, and it produces some of the most remarkable pies anywhere in the United States. Try the El Hidalgo, which features thin sirloin, blue cheese and dried cherries.